Effect of Arsenic on Growth and Cell Division in Root Tip Cells of (Allium sativum L.)

ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Arsenic trioxide is a toxic element and effect on human health and as well as plants and bacteria. The effect of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of Arsenic trioxide was investigated using both morphological and chromosomal assays. The present study was designed to examine the effect of Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) on germination, growth and cell divisions. Materials and Methods: The Allium sativum L. bulbs were exposed to different concentrations of Arsenic trioxide in different time interval and mean root length of garlic were measured and study chromosome abnormality. Results: The root meristems of germinated Allium sativum L. to reveal the cytogenic effect and chromosomal abnormalities induced by Arsenic trioxide. There was significant decrease in root length and number as concentration increased in the experiment and mitotic index decreased as concentration of arsenic trioxide increased. Conclusion: Total chromosomal abnormality increased significantly as concentration of Arsenic trioxide increased.